U.S., Israel, and Mediators Share Intelligence on Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that the U.S., Israel, and other mediators of the Gaza peace deal exchanged intelligence over the weekend to prevent a potential attack. He stated they would keep this collaboration going.

While speaking to reporters on his journey from Israel to Qatar, Rubio mentioned, “We sent a message through the State Department about the impending attack to the mediators, and thankfully, it did not happen. The aim is to identify threats before they materialize.”

This announcement follows a week after the State Department revealed there were “credible reports” suggesting that Hamas intended to target Palestinian civilians, which would breach the existing agreement.

Rubio highlighted that the U.S. has been in talks with nations like Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, which have shown interest in aiding a proposed international stabilization force in the region. Interestingly, Indonesia and Azerbaijan are also keen on participating.

However, he added, “Many countries that wish to participate can’t do so without a UN resolution backing this force.”

In Qatar, Rubio met with President Donald Trump prior to the president’s trip to Asia. Recently, Vice President J.D. Vance also visited Israel, joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump adviser Jared Kushner, as part of efforts to solidify the ceasefire agreement established earlier this month.

Rubio mentioned that General Dan Kaine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is scheduled to visit Israel next week.

During his discussions with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Trump expressed gratitude for Qatar’s crucial role in facilitating the peace agreement.

Trump emphasized to reporters, “This should be a lasting peace.” His visit to Qatar was primarily a refueling stop before continuing on to Asia.